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DIIFSD New York briefing to focus on Arab women

Doha, March 7, 2013

The Doha International Institute for Family Studies and Development (DIIFSD) will host its prestigious Doha Briefing in New York City next week on the theme, ‘Arab spring: a chance or a risk for women’s rights’.

The event will take place on March 11 during the 57th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters. DIIFSD has a Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

One of the main objectives of DIIFSD, a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, is to contribute to the global knowledge base on issues facing the Arab family through the development and dissemination of high quality research.

The Doha briefing is an annual event organised by DIIFSD at the United Nations since 2009. The main objective is to inform and exchange views and expertise with diplomats, UN representatives and NGOs on important issues related to the family, women and development, said a statement.

The meeting will build on the understanding that gender inequality remains one of the most important challenges to human development and sustainable peace. Despite growing numbers and influence in their societies, many women in the Arab World continue to be marginalised from the economy, society, politics and decision-making, it said.

The briefing will feature an illustrious array of speakers, and commence with opening remarks by Noor Al Malki Al Jehani, executive director of DIIFSD. Dr Nadine Naber, associate professor at the University of Michigan, will address new challenges facing women in the region after the Arab spring. Dr Sophie Richter-Devroe, a lecturer at the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies at Exeter University, will address the subject of violence against women. Dr Rabab El-Mahdi, associate professor at the American University in Cairo, will be sharing key insights on the Arab spring and women’s rights in Egypt. – TradeArabia News Service